This initial phase of the residency unfolded within the imposing walls of the Museo delle Civiltà in Rome, where I engaged deeply with the complex and painful narratives embedded within the museum's colonial collections. Surrounded by stolen artifacts from various cultures—including my own—I confronted histories of extraction, loss, and disconnection. The experience was emotionally taxing, compelling me to question the permanence of these objects in foreign spaces and reflect on the enduring impact of colonial violence. I navigated the tension between scholarly engagement and personal grief, grappling with the responsibility of holding these histories while seeking pathways to artistic response and healing.
Displacement, Confrontation, Injustice, Reflection, Burden, Silence, Resilience
Dakar provided a necessary and welcome reprieve from the heaviness of Rome. Participating in the Dakar Biennale introduced me to new artistic energies and offered a moment of cultural reconnection. I explored the Museum of Black Civilizations, visited Goree Island, and engaged with contemporary art practices that narrated local and diasporic histories. This brief but powerful journey allowed me to compare how histories are presented and preserved, contrasting the narratives I encountered in Rome. The warmth of Dakar—its people, sun, and art—brought a sense of ease and renewal, reinforcing the importance of place and context in understanding and presenting heritage.
Reconnection, Ease, Community, Perspective, Contrast, Vitality, Belonging
Barcelona, though initially intended as my primary residency location, became an important reflective waypoint. I visited an exhibition on the Amazon at the CCCB, connecting my previous experiences in the Amazon with ongoing reflections about colonial perspectives on indigenous lands and knowledge systems. The exhibition's immersive curation offered profound insights into presenting complex, layered narratives without overwhelming the audience. This visit deepened my understanding of storytelling, loss, and reclamation, influencing my evolving artistic approaches and highlighting the importance of thoughtful curatorial practices in narrating contested histories.
Immersion, Perspective, Multiplicity, Contemplation, Narrative, Complexity, Introspection
Returning to Rome, I carried with me the reflections and insights gathered in Dakar and Barcelona. This phase marked a shift in my approach—from observer to participant, from researcher to artist. I conceptualized the idea of creating a textile piece embodying the intertwined narratives I had encountered. The process became one of weaving histories, conversations, and emotions into a singular artistic form. A pivotal moment came during my final presentation at the museum, where an unexpected emotional breakdown illuminated the depth of my engagement. It was a release of grief, pain, and hope, marking a personal and artistic evolution that redefined how I understood my journey and its resonances.
Transformation, Catharsis, Synthesis, Vulnerability, Release, Reframing, Emergence
The final leg of this journey took me to Amsterdam, where I visited the Stedelijk Museum and engaged with challenging narratives of art and history. Though brief, this experience felt significant, offering a space to contemplate the shifting ground beneath my artistic practice. I reflected on how my understanding of displacement, identity, and narrative had transformed through this journey. This phase underscored the importance of critical reflection and adaptation in engaging with historical complexities. The lingering thoughts from this final stop will inevitably find their way into the textile work that represents the culmination of these reflections.
Contemplation, Shift, Closure, Discovery, Adaptation, Grounding, Awareness